Meet Nicola Conway, Cambridge Satchel Superfan

Over our 15-year history, we have been honoured to hear from customers across the globe who have stories to share about their bags, some of whom have collected quite a few of our designs!

We chatted to Nicola Conway, one of our customers who has collected an impressive amount of bags over the years! Meet a Cambridge Satchel super fan…

Cambridge Satchel
Hi Nicola! Please could you briefly introduce yourself?

Nicola Conway
Hello, I’m a Lead Heart Failure Specialist Nurse currently residing in Greater Manchester with my Beagle, Spud. I’ll be turning 33 in the summer.

CS
How and when did you discover our brand?

NC
It would have been in my early 20’s; I seem to recall a TV advert in collaboration with Google? Soon after, I was gifted my first satchel as a birthday present.

CS
How many bags are currently in your collection?

NC
The last count was 57 bags, although I’ve also invested in 2 trunks, a handful of purses, some more small leather goods – and the Christmas decorations!

CS
What do you like about the bags?

NC
They’re really good quality, very well made, durable, timeless and classic with a modern twist. They stand the test of time and just get better with age. My great grandma’s school satchel has been passed down the generations and my own satchel collection will hopefully become heirlooms too – my 2 year old niece already acquires a bag each time she visits! I tend to mark different milestones and birthdays with a new bag.

The customer service has always been outstanding and prior to the Edinburgh store closing, I had contacted them directly and purchased Edinburgh exclusives from the Fringe Festival multiple times – in fact that’s how I bought my Classic Trunk in Harris Tweed.

CS
What was your very first Cambridge Satchel?

NC
A bright green 13 Inch Satchel with my initials blind embossed. I tend to use the brighter colours in my collection around spring/summer time – I’m sure I’ll get more use out of it again when the warmer weather arrives.

CS
What is your most recent Cambridge Satchel bag?

NC
My most recent purchases were The Doctor’s Bag in Midnight Black and The Mini Sophie in Bordeaux. They'd been on my wish list since The Cambridge Collection was released. I bought them as a reward to myself for a recent promotion at work. The attention to detail on the designs is impeccable and they feel even more luxurious. The bags I hope to invest in next would be The Artisan, The Sophie and The Briefcase.

CS
If you didn’t collect our bags, what do you think you would collect?

NC
I enjoy supporting British brands, so I’d probably add to my Barbour wax jacket collection or Tartan Blanket Company scarf collection. I’ve also acquired a fair few initialled ‘N’ mugs and enjoy getting a penny press as a souvenir from places I visit.

CS
How would you describe your personal style?

NC
Interchangeable and modest. In recent years I’ve been consciously adding more timeless silhouettes and classic pieces into my wardrobe, that can be dressed up or down with less influence from trend-led items. I’ve gravitated to a more neutral colour palette for clothing and enjoy adding one of my bags as a pop of colour.

CS
And finally, would you like to contribute a favourite song to our monthly Spotify playlist?

NC
Tracy Chapman – Fast Car. It’s always played on any road trip!

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Thanks so much to Nicola for sharing her love letter to her Cambridge Satchel collection! Whether you own one or 57 of our styles, don’t forget to enter our competition to design your own bag and visit our workshop before 15 May 2024. Just take a picture of your bag or collection, write your love letter and submit it here!